Paul A. Eisenstein: Flex moves people in style and comfort

The minivan is dead, or so many folks seem to believe. But while sales have certainly fallen off from their peak a decade back, they're still a major player in the American market. It's just that not all minivans look like what you might expect.

Witness the Ford Flex. OK, to avoid getting a flood of letters, let me stress that the automaker prefers to call its new offering a "people mover." It doesn't have the classic bubble shape of a minivan, nor the sliding doors. But Ford's entry does have most everything else you'd expect of a mini, and a fair bit more.

Its tall wagon shape is polarizing, in industry lingo, meaning it won't appeal to everyone. That's just fine in a world of me-too, look-alike products. For those who get it, Flex boasts a strikingly distinctive design that revives the once-popular two-tone paint job.

Unlike some vehicles claiming to fit seven adults, Flex does it in business-class comfort, with absolutely cavernous space for second-row passengers. The interior is lavishly outfitted, with the use of rich materials you normally wouldn't expect in this price range. Highline features, such as the intuitive Sync navigation and communication system, make you feel like you're in a luxury car rather than a minivan.

The car-based crossover won't be confused with a sports car, but it's far more nimble and comfortable to drive than the truck-based SUVs many one-time minivan buyers have switched to.

The people mover's performance is solid, thanks to a dependable 3.5-liter, 262-horsepower V-6. And come mid-2009, Ford plans to add its new Ecoboost V-6, which will deliver significantly better performance and fuel economy, at the same time. Road-gripping all-wheel-drive is available, but it cuts about 1 mpg from fuel economy.

Any complaints? Yes, the lack of a telescoping steering wheel - though we appreciate the movable pedals - and an oddly offset rear wiper that doesn't completely wipe the back window. But those are modest complaints that will likely dissuade few potential buyers. Call it what you will, Flex is a great way to move folks in style and comfort.

Paul A. Eisenstein is an award-winning journalist who has spent more than 30 years covering the global auto industry. His work appears in a wide range of publications worldwide, and he is a frequent broadcast commentator on subjects automotive.

MINIVAN MARKET

- While minivan sales are slipping, the market remains solid, especially with breakout offerings, like the Ford Flex "people mover."

- Flex delivers business-class comfort and room for seven adults.

- Mileage of 17 city/24 highway will improve substantially with the mid-2009 introduction of Ford's new Ecoboost V-6, without sacrificing performance.